How to Clean Car Interior (Dashboard, Console, Upholstery)
What You'll Need
- 1 bottle
- 5-6
- 1
- 1
- For windows
Step-by-Step Method
Remove all trash, loose items, and floor mats. Shake out floor mats. Check under seats, in door pockets, and cup holders.
Vacuum seats, floor, floor mats, between seat cushions, under seats, and the trunk. Use the crevice tool for tight spots and cup holders.
Spray all-purpose cleaner on a microfiber cloth (not directly on the surface). Wipe the dashboard, steering wheel, console, door panels, and all hard trim. Use a soft brush for textured surfaces and air vents.
Fabric seats: vacuum, then spot-clean stains with upholstery cleaner. Leather seats: wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap, then condition. Vinyl: all-purpose cleaner and cloth.
Clean all interior glass (windshield, side windows, mirrors) with glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth. Interior glass gets a hazy film from off-gassing plastics.
- Do not spray cleaner directly on the dashboard or electronics
- Do not use armor-all or silicone-based products on the steering wheel (makes it slippery)
- Do not use household glass cleaner on tinted windows (ammonia damages tint)
- Use ammonia-free glass cleaner if your car has tinted windows.
- A soft paintbrush (1-2 inch) is the best tool for cleaning air vents and tight crevices.
- Detailing brushes from auto parts stores come in various sizes and are worth the small investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
That haze is caused by off-gassing from dashboard plastics and vinyl. Clean with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth in an up-and-down motion (not circular). Two passes: first with cleaner, second with a dry cloth to buff. A mix of 70% rubbing alcohol and 30% water is more effective than most glass cleaners.
Sources & Methodology
Auto detailing methods based on professional detailing industry standards. Interior glass haze from plasticizer off-gassing is common in vehicles under 5 years old.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026